OK parents out there... don't lynch me. This is merely a general observation and not targeted at you or your child (unless you are exactly what I am about to describe below...).
I don't think your child is as smart as you say or think they are. Now let me preface this by saying that I do not hate children, (I used to be a school teacher!) and I would one day want to have my own child too (possibly an only one). But I do hope I don't become the typical deluded parent. (Some of my friends are awesome parents btw, so there's hope yet).
You know the ones... they show you every video of their child doing things you're not interested in. They lose themselves even on Facebook... "Oh this is my colleague Sandra's FB profile, hmmm, I never realised she was a six month old baby!" Having your child's photos in FB albums, on your wall, or even in your profile pic with you in it is fine. But don't completely lose yourself, your baby is not you.
I'm also peeved when strangers with babies look at me expectantly whenever I happen to look at their child... like they expect to hear me gasp "OH MY THAT'S THE CUTEST BABY I'VE EVER SEEN"... when the honest truth is that it's just kinda regular looking ... or worse still, ugly.
I get annoyed with relatives and friends too sometimes. “Oh, look what James did today. He's so smart for his age!”
Oh, so he can crawl. But that's what babies do... they crawl then they walk... it's called growing up, they won't be limp necked babies forever, you know. Why do you point it out as if your child can fly?
How come you don't point out other obvious things while you're at it. Like.... "Hey look, my child can shit himself and roll in it."
Yes, you should be proud of your child. Give them the best opportunities and foundation you can. I am all for positive reinforcement and praising their achievements. But I’m continually amazed at how much parents laud their children as being ‘ahead of the rest’ when they are really just on par.
A two year old child being able to speak isn't exactly Shakespeare reincarnated. It just means he does not have any speech or learning defects.
When I have my child, will you hear me (or read me) go on and on about how smart Holly Jr. is because she can drink from a straw without poking it up her nose? Will I too boast about my child's mediocrities? I hope not.
Parents, do enlighten me. And non parents, what do you think?
P/S : If I have indeed mentioned that your baby is cute, or good looking, or clever... it means I really think so. I don't go around saying all babies and children are great.
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On a less grumpy note...
I just got this Cutie Birds Flutter Skater Dress from TheLadyWears in the mail. LOOOVE it. So cute.
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| Semi sheer chiffon top, best with spag or tube underneath |
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| The skirt is lined. Love the soft flowy material. |
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| Flutter Ruffle Sleeves and Cute Owl print |
Quote HOLLYJEAN at The Lady Wear's website to receive $2 off any purchase :)
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Comments
im teaching and i there was this parent who went he's actually very smart you know!? and when i teach him he goes huh????
Please remind yourself of this post when your baby finally arrives.
We don't want a case of the kettle calling the pot black, do we?
Some kids are just plain annoying and the parents seems to condone that. Well, it's not the kid's fault...
By the way does the child need to be exceptionally good-looking and smart to get a little bit of your highness's approval/ attention?
Guess she just has not reach that stage yet.
Hopefully she will one day.
She is currently only at the stage of being engaged, not even married, and definitely not a parent.
She should post such entry only when she is in the position to do so.
But my child is definitely not the cutest or smartest I would say. I love her the way she is hence that proud display of pics. =P
Then there are the 'little monsters' that think the world revolves around them giving them the right to throw tantrums and doing anything they please even though they're out in public. When the parents just stand there and smile adoringly without even a stern word, that just pisses me off.
I'm sorry but not everyone thinks the sun shines out of your child's backside! I accept it's difficult to discipline a tantrum throwing child in public especially when all eyes are on you, but I do not think sitting there and giving the child an encouraging smile is the way to go. I've personally fallen out with a friend because her son had rummaged through my closed hand bag while it was kept in a spare bedroom and started playing with it while I was in the kitchen.
If I had left my handphone out in plain sight and easy reach, i would concede it's my fault (knowing there are children around), but this just took the cake. Both parents just sat there while I struggle to retrieve my phone. Talking nice didn't work. Trying to pry the phone out of his sticky fingers and trying to tempt him with other distractions didn't work. This child is 6 years old and his parents just stood there while I tried to to blow my top. In the end, he's just a child, I dislike his manners but I blame his parents. Well, sorry for my rambling but thinking about it still makes me mad. Considering this is not the first time this has happened, nor am I the only person, the couple and their son has become persona non grata for all future gatherings.
Back to the topic, be proud of your kids and gush over their achievements however small they may be. Just be aware that not everyone will be interested. Close friends (with kids or no) will gush over them with you, friends with kids are more able to share your sentiments, but most people with no children of their own will find it hard to share your excitement. That does not make us child haters, nor does that make us mean people.
1) Parents who use their child as an excuse for their own selfish desires.
I have an aquaintance who insist on dining at certain places (at the inconvenience of others) because it is supposedly child-friendly. Most often than not, the 'child-friendly' place is crowded and crammed with sharp-edged tables. I have since realised that the 'child-friendly' places are always near her home. Icing on top of the cake- she drives.
2) Boasting about their child's bratty behaviour.
I really don't get why some parents brag about how their kid just bullied another kid. The same old stories are always told with a hint of pride. I always feel that they are fishing for compliments and expecting me to say "so clever" or something along those lines.
3) Putting down other people's kid (behind their back of course)and imposing their upbringing beliefs on others.
Is parenting a competition?
-Harlie
Yah I haven't changed my opinion yet, I still look at other kids and think .. Meh.